OSHA Accident Investigation · Summary #221672546
CATERPILLAR INC.
MAPLETON, IL·
Event description
Employee dies from burns when struck by molten iron and fire
Investigation abstract
At 4:53 p.m. on June 6, 2024, an employee working as a molding machine operator to pour molten iron from the holder into pour car ladle. The molten iron exits the holder through a 9-inch-wide spout and pours into the pour car ladle. The process of pouring molten iron from a holder into the pour car ladle is referred to as "tap out." The employee positioned the pour car to tap out from Holder #8 and activated the hydraulic cylinder. The employee continued to tilt Holder #8 as a flow of iron from the holder had not occurred. A spout blockage released, and molten iron flowed uncontrolled from the pour car and onto the floor. A subsequent fire ensued which engulfed the pour car. The employee died due to multiple burns from contact with the molten iron and subsequent fire. for an iron foundry was operating the pour car located on Line 4/Department 437. The pour car is a cab operated trolley crane suspended from a monorail beam. The crane portion raises and lowers a pour ladle to pour molten iron into precast molds. The pour ladle holds a maximum of two tons of molten iron. Once filled, the pour car moves on monorail to a position to pour molten iron into molds. The pour car is filled by a storage vessel or holder. The Line 4 pour car can be filled from ether Holder #7 or #8. Holders #7 and #8 can hold a maximum of 50 tons of molten iron each. Holders #7 and #8 are tilted with a hydraulic cylinder
Victim
-
#1 Fatality Age 28 M
- Event type
- 14
- Occupation code
- 719
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